SYNAPTIC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Structural, Functional and Chemical Assessments of the Visual Pathway in Vision Loss
IRAS ID
181823
Contact name
Rachel Woodall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 2 days
Research summary
This project aims to examine the effects of vision loss on the anterior and posterior visual pathways. In a group of participants diagnosed with bilateral vision loss resulting from either central or peripheral retinal damage, or both, clinical assessments of the anterior visual pathway will be compared with neuroimaging measures of the posterior visual pathway.
Neuroimaging research has revealed significant reductions of the posterior visual pathway in patients with vision loss, reporting decreased cortical volume of brain regions representing damaged retina. What has yet to be established is 1) whether this reduction represents a) atrophy: condensed cortex that remains plastic to restored visual input or b) degeneration: reduced cortical volume due to cell death and 2) to what extent do changes in the anterior visual pathway influence changes in the posterior visual pathway?
To assess changes to the posterior visual pathway associated with vision loss, participants will undergo brain imaging sessions at YNiC at the UoY, including MRI and MRS. Comparatively, changes to the anterior visual pathway associated with vision loss will be assessed at YTH using techniques including OCT and AF. In addition, VA, CS and MP acquired in the clinic will be used to assess visual performance that can be affected by both anterior and posterior pathway damage. Recruitment for this study will last 24 months, commencing on 1st September 2017.
The primary outcome measure will be assessments of the posterior visual pathway, using MRI and MRS. The secondary outcome measures will assess the anterior visual pathway, using retinal measures (OCT) and behavioural measures (VA, CS and MP). Exploratory analysis of anterior and posterior visual function will also be assessed using electrophysiology (ERG and EEG).REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0030
Date of REC Opinion
10 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion